Adventures with an RV, named Thistle Dew Too (say it out loud and you'll understand). We've been "wannabees". And "gonnabees". Then "newbees (noobs)". And now we're "retirees". So come along and enjoy Carol and Steve's RV adventures. Cause we've got "nowhere to be, and all day to get there!"
There was a slim chance that our RV would be finished Friday afternoon. But if anything went amiss, they would not be able to get the painting finished or the ladder re-attached. At the same time, our son Greg would only be home this weekend, before jetting back off to China. So we decided to check out early Friday morning.
Carol was able to get a wall hanging finished (so it wasn't wasted time in the motel), and we also had a very patient dragonfly let us take some photos of him before we departed.
We drove the rental car up to see Greg in Santa Clara, CA. We thought about taking the Pacific Coast Highway, but that would take a long time, and even worse, it is closed in sections due to land slides and a bridge that has to be replaced. So up the I-5 it was. Not a bad ride all things considered, and pretty scenic in a few areas.
A quick stop in Greg's apartment, where we noted the Marimekko Trapunto wall-hanging that Carol made right after we were married, and gave to Greg many years ago. A little faded, but still "hanging in there." ;-) Then off to dinner somewhere on Santana Row, where it was really hopping Friday night.
One more site to check out, this time, Old Town section of Scottsdale. But first, Carol was happy to have finished the quilting on the wall hanging she had put together in the RV, so we got that mailed off.
We had a wonderful visit with my sister and brother-in-law, and really appreciate all of the time they were able to spend showing us around. And what a lovely place to call home!
And now it is time to hit the road once again. Thanks for everything, Linda and David!
After all that exploring, I thought on our final day I would leave the camera in the RV, and just go for a nice long run. Here's a tip for you photographers: never leave the camera ;-) Turns out my run took me to some amazing places just over the ridgeline. So I did the best that I could with my iPhone, and took a few movies as well.
And speaking of movies, here are four videos that might give you a feel for what was over that ridgeline. I will say it is a good reason to go for a long run. But next time, I'm also bringing the big camera ;-)
As I was exploring the hoodoos, I saw someone drive up in a yellow jeep and check out what I was up to. His dog looks pretty mean in the first photo, but it turns out "Joey" is a sweetheart. And Chris, a local, explained where I might want to run, he then waited around until I got back, and had a cold bottle of water ready for me! (I had not brought any with me.) And then he gave me a ride back to our campsite. Now that's a Good Samaritan!
Back at the ranch, Carol whipped up some of her vegan Chickpea-Artichoke spread for brunch. Yummy! Recipe is at the bottom. She also finished sewing her wall hanging (a gift for a friend), and it is now ready for quilting.
Finally, as we prepared to depart the next morning, and head toward the Grand Canyon, it was as if the sky, sun, and clouds got together to bid us adieu. What a wonderful sunrise show.
2 cans (15 oz) garbanzo beans (drained and mashed)
1 can (15 oz) artichoke hearts in water (drained and diced)
1 cup chopped sweet peppers
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup chopped scallions (or diced onion, or dried onion)
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 TBS dried parsley
1/2 cup Vegannaise
Mix together and chill. Makes 8 servings (wraps). Roll up in a tortilla with sliced cucumber, sliced tomato, greens (optional), and sliced avocado (optional). Goes really well with potato chips, but don't tell anyone we said so ;-)
We enjoy staying in the same place for multiple days, as it is much more relaxing, and gives more time for exploring, or getting various projects done. This afternoon, Carol and I split forces and did both (in parallel).
Steve explored another unique geologic cone-shaped outcropping and the canyon wash around it, while Carol proved that you can sew and quilt while RVing. Oh yeah, and baked some bread as well.
This center area had an interesting dome shaped rock outcropping, with a really intriguing cave. I wanted to rock scramble up and do my best Om meditation pose, but I passed up the opportunity ;-) The baby slot canyon was also cool, and helps illustrate how these are formed. Just another million years or so, and this one will be its own attraction ;-)
If you have the bandwidth available, you can check out this 1-minute video clip of the wash area and the rock dome.
Carol brought along sewing and quilting equipment and supplies, and it works out pretty well. If she sets up on the dining room table, then we'll also set up a portable table in the lounge area, and have our meals back there (or outside) during that period. Her fabric, supplies, and equipment fit well in the cabover area where we keep our linens and other supplies.
Warner, NH or Kailua, HI or an RV named Thistle Dew Too, United States
I consider myself a contemplative. One who enjoys reflecting upon his thoughts, and their interplay with the world in which we are immersed and intimately interconnected.
